AFTER finishing fourth last season in Division Two, Cropston believe this could be the year when they take their place in Division One.

As well as receiving a grant from the ECB for ClubMark status, the Waterfield Road club believe they have what it takes to finish in the top two.

After two horrific knee operations ruled him out of virtually all of the past two seasons, they’ve been boosted by the recovery of young bowler Sam Hickinbottom and there’s also been the signing of batsman Brady Glennon from Rothley.

“We’re looking strong,” said captain Kristian Kinch. “Everyone is excited about the first fixture and looking forward to it.

“It was disappointing not to go up last year as only Thorpe Arnold really outplayed us. In the end but there were a few points here and there that we should have picked up which was the difference in us not achieving promotion.

“There were plenty of positives from the season. Three of the youngsters, all of whom are aged around 20, all scored nearly 600 runs each and Will Pole took 51 wickets.

“We’re looking for a slight improvement and if we do manage that then we will be looking at promotion.”